CN118234463A - Nipples and nipple assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

Nipple or nipple, in particular a nipple for attachment to a container. The nipple includes a breast portion having a central region and a lockout portion extending from the breast portion, the lockout portion including a nipple portion and an areola portion. The latching portion is radially offset from a central region of the breast portion, and the latching portion includes an outer wall. The outer wall of the latching portion includes a first region having a first wall thickness and a second region having a second wall thickness, wherein the second wall thickness is less than the first wall thickness. A nipple assembly, feeding assembly and pacifier assembly, each including a nipple or nipple, are also disclosed.

Description

Nipples and nipple assemblies

The present invention relates generally to teats or nipples. More particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a teat for attachment to a container.

A nipple or teat simulates the operation of a breast, providing comfort, food, or both comfort and food to an infant. In use, the nipple is inserted into the infant's oral cavity, and the infant sucks on the nipple. If the nipple is connected to a container, the food (e.g., food or beverage) in the container can be fed to the infant through the nipple. This technology is commonly referred to as bottle feeding, and is intended to simulate breastfeeding. If the nipple is connected to a comforter, such as a rubber nipple (also referred to as a pacifier or fake nipple), the infant is comforted by sucking on the pacifier, just as the infant is comforted during breastfeeding.

A pacifier typically has a base portion for connecting to a container or comforter, a nipple portion that enters completely into the baby's mouth during normal use, and an areola portion located between the nipple portion and the base portion. The baby typically latches onto the areola portion so that the baby's lips form a seal around the areola portion.

A disadvantage of using a nipple to offer food is that if the baby's latch is not optimal, or if the baby's lips partially unseal from the areola, air may enter the baby's mouth. In turn, the baby may swallow air, which may cause discomfort, such as bloating, flatulence, regurgitation and/or colic. Another disadvantage of using a nipple to offer food is that it may cause the baby to become less able to breastfeed, for example by becoming less able to establish an effective latch on the breast. This is known as nipple confusion.

By ensuring optimal use of the nipple during bottle feeding, nipple confusion and poor latching can be avoided to a certain extent. During optimal bottle feeding, the baby's lips seal around the areola portion of the nipple during latching, and the nipple portion of the nipple abuts the roof of the baby's mouth. The baby then moves their jaw back and forth so that their tongue rubs the nipple portion and/or areola portion. This back and forth movement of the jaw creates a peeling action known in the art. This optimal bottle feeding is similar to breastfeeding and therefore reduces the likelihood of nipple confusion occurring and helps maintain a secure latch around the areola portion.

However, maintaining optimal bottle feeding is challenging because the bottle must always remain in the correct orientation relative to the baby. Often, the person holding the bottle holds the bottle in a suboptimal orientation, or the bottle is moved out of the optimal orientation during the feeding process. This can lead to a number of negative effects, such as the nipple portion moving away from the top of the baby's mouth, and a poor latch around the areola portion, which can allow air to enter the baby's mouth, while also causing nipple confusion.

Another disadvantage is that in the optimal feeding orientation, the bottle typically extends directly away from the baby's mouth. This means that the more the baby leans while feeding, the more vertical the bottle becomes. In turn, this means that the baby may use less force to suck out the contents of the bottle due to gravity, especially when the bottle is full. This can also lead to nipple confusion.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a nipple which overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

One broad aspect of the invention provides a teat or nipple, such as for use with an infant feeding or drinking vessel or soother or nipple shield, comprising a radially offset latch portion having a region of reduced wall thickness.

The teat may include a breast portion having a central area.

The atresia portion may extend from the breast portion. The atresia portion may include a nipple portion and an areola portion. The atresia portion may radially offset from a central region of the breast portion. The atresia portion may include an outer wall.

The outer wall of the latching portion may include a first region having a first wall thickness. The outer wall of the latching portion may include a second region having a second wall thickness. The second wall thickness may be less than the first wall thickness. The second region may be a region of reduced wall thickness.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pacifier, the pacifier comprising:

a breast portion having a central region; and

The atresia portion extends from the breast portion,

wherein the atresia portion is radially offset from a central region of the breast portion and includes an outer wall, and

The outer wall of the locking part includes a first area with a first wall thickness and a second area with a second wall thickness, wherein the second wall thickness is smaller than the first wall thickness.

Advantageously, the arrangement of the latching portion improves the ability of an infant to form a latch on the nipple.

The second region may be disposed on the nipple portion. The second region may be located on a radially outer surface of the nipple portion. The radially outer surface of the nipple portion may extend radially outwardly relative to a central region of the breast portion.

The nipple portion may have a first end distal to the areola portion. The nipple portion may have a second end proximal to the areola portion. The second region may be disposed between the first end of the nipple portion and the second end of the nipple portion. The first end of the nipple portion and the second end of the nipple portion may define a first length between the first end of the nipple portion and the second end of the nipple portion.

The second region may have a first end away from the areola portion. The second region may have a second end close to the areola portion. The first end of the second region and the second end of the second region may define a second length between the first end of the second region and the second end of the second region.

The second length of the second region may be less than the first length of the nipple portion. The second length may be approximately two-thirds of the first length. The second length may be greater than one-third of the first length. The second length may be less than three-quarters of the first length.

The second area may include a recessed portion or a dented portion or a hollow portion or a recessed portion. The recessed portion or the dented portion or the hollow portion or the recessed portion may be provided on an inner surface of the nipple portion.

The second region may have a perimeter. The second region may define a tongue region. The perimeter may define a shape having a length or diameter or major axis and a width or diameter or minor axis. The length or diameter or major axis of the perimeter may correspond to the second length of the second region. The length or major axis of the perimeter may be greater than the width or minor axis of the perimeter. The perimeter may define an elliptical, oval or circular shape. The perimeter may define a quadrilateral shape, such as a square or rectangle. The perimeter may define a gradual or progressive or continuous or inclined or ramped wall around the second region.

The tongue area makes the nipple more realistic to the baby and further improves the baby's ability to form a latch around the nipple.

The first end of the perimeter may correspond to the first end of the second region. The first end of the perimeter may be spaced apart from the first end of the nipple portion. The first end of the second region may be spaced apart from the first end of the nipple portion.

The second end of the perimeter may correspond to the second end of the second region. The second end of the perimeter may be spaced apart from the second end of the nipple portion. The second end of the second region may be spaced apart from the second end of the nipple portion.

The first wall thickness may be less than 10 mm. The first wall thickness may for example be less than 8 mm. Preferably, the first wall thickness may be less than 6 mm. The first wall thickness may be at least 4 mm.

The second wall thickness may be less than 2 mm. Preferably, the second wall thickness may be less than 1 mm. The second wall thickness may be at least 0.25 mm.

The ratio of the first wall thickness to the second wall thickness may be less than 7: 1. The ratio of the first wall thickness to the second wall thickness may be greater than 4: 1. The ratio of the first wall thickness to the second wall thickness may be approximately 6:1.

At least a portion of the first region may extend radially inwardly relative to the central region of the breast portion. The portion of the first region extending radially inwardly relative to the central region of the breast portion may be arcuate. The portion of the first region extending radially inwardly relative to the central region of the breast portion may be generally convex.

The portion of the first region extending radially inwardly relative to the central region of the breast portion may include at least a portion of the areola portion. The portion of the first region extending radially inwardly relative to the central region of the breast portion may include at least a portion of the nipple portion.

The breast portion may be generally dome-shaped. The atresia portion may be generally frusto-conical. The breast portion may have a first taper angle. An areola portion of the atresia portion may have a second taper angle. A nipple portion of the atresia portion may have a third taper angle. The first taper angle, the second taper angle, and the third taper angle may each be different. The taper angles may be defined relative to an axis of the breast portion. The axis may be referred to as a central axis.

The portion of the first region extending radially inwardly relative to the central region of the breast portion may include at least one rib. The at least one rib may be formed on an inner surface of the portion of the first region extending radially inwardly relative to the central region of the breast portion.

The portion of the first region extending radially inward relative to the central region of the breast portion may have a first end close to the breast portion. The portion of the first region extending radially inward relative to the central region of the breast portion may have a second end away from the breast portion.

The central region of the portion of the first region extending radially inwardly relative to the central region of the breast portion may be located between the first end and the second end of the portion of the first region extending radially inwardly relative to the central region of the breast portion.

At least one rib may be provided in a central region of a portion of the first region extending radially inwardly relative to a central region of the breast portion. At least one rib may be provided on the areola portion. At least one rib may be provided on the nipple portion. The at least one rib may be substantially straight. Alternatively, the at least one rib may be substantially arcuate.

The portion of the first region extending radially inward relative to the central region of the breast portion may include a plurality of ribs. One, some or all of the plurality of ribs may extend in a direction parallel to the extension direction of another of the plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs may be concentric or coaxial. One, some or each of the plurality of ribs may extend around the periphery of the nipple portion. One, some or each of the plurality of ribs may be disposed in a central region of the portion of the first region extending radially inward relative to the central region of the breast portion. One, some or each of the plurality of ribs may be disposed on the areola portion. One, some or each of the plurality of ribs may be disposed on the nipple portion.

One, some or each of the plurality of ribs may be substantially straight.One, some or each of the plurality of ribs may be substantially arcuate.

The nipple may further comprise a base portion. The base portion may be connected to the areola portion of the closure portion via a recessed portion. The above-mentioned taper angle may be relative to an axis of the base portion. The axis may be referred to as a central axis.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a nipple assembly for use with an infant drinking vessel, the nipple assembly comprising a nipple according to any preceding aspect of the present invention and a collar. The collar may be integrally formed with the nipple.

The hoop may include an aperture for engaging the nipple. The hoop may include an engagement portion configured for selective engagement with the container. The hoop may be configured for removable engagement with the container. The hoop may be configured such that the nipple assembly may be mounted to the mouth of the container. The hoop may include a lid contact portion for selectively mounting the assembly within a recessed volume of the lid. The hoop may be configured such that the nipple assembly may be mounted within the recessed volume of the lid.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an infant feeding set for use with an infant drinking vessel, the infant feeding set comprising a teat and a vessel or container or bottle according to the foregoing aspect of the present invention.

The infant feeding assembly may further comprise a hoop configured to secure the nipple to a vessel or container or bottle. The hoop may be integrally formed with the nipple.

The hoop may include an aperture for engaging the nipple. The hoop may include an engagement portion configured for selective engagement with the container. The hoop may be configured for removable engagement with the container. The hoop may be configured such that the nipple assembly may be mounted to the mouth of the container. The hoop may include a lid contact portion for selectively mounting the assembly within a recessed volume of the lid. The hoop may be configured such that the nipple assembly may be mounted within the recessed volume of the lid.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a comforter assembly for comforting an infant, the comforter assembly comprising a pacifier according to the aforementioned aspect of the present invention.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a nipple shield, the nipple shield comprising the nipple according to the aforementioned aspect of the present invention.

For the avoidance of doubt, any feature described herein is equally applicable to any aspect of the present invention. For example, a nipple and/or an infant feeding assembly may include any one or more features of a nipple, and/or the method may include any one or more features or steps associated with one or more features of a nipple or a nipple assembly or an infant feeding assembly.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising and/or describing and/or defining a three-dimensional design of a pacifier or an embodiment thereof, for example as described above. The three-dimensional design can be used with a simulation device or an additive or subtractive manufacturing device, system or apparatus.

The computer program element may be used to enable or be operable or configured to enable an additive or subtractive manufacturing device, system or apparatus to manufacture the above-mentioned pacifier or its embodiments. The computer program element may include computer-readable program code means for enabling an additive or subtractive manufacturing device, system or apparatus to execute a procedure for manufacturing the above-mentioned pacifier or its embodiments.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element embodied on a computer readable medium.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a control device or a control system or a controller comprising the above-mentioned computer program element or computer-readable medium.

Within the scope of the present application, it is clearly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and optional schemes set forth in the preceding paragraphs, claims and/or the following description and drawings, and in particular their respective features, may be adopted individually or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or the features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and/or combination unless these features are incompatible. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and/or", "e.g.", "for example" and any similar terms used herein should be interpreted as non-restrictive, so that any feature described in this manner does not necessarily exist. In fact, without departing from the scope of the present invention, any combination of optional features is explicitly envisioned, whether or not these features are explicitly claimed for protection. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally submitted claims or to submit any new claims accordingly, including the right to amend any originally submitted claims to be subordinate to and/or include any features of any other claims, although the features were not originally claimed in that manner.

Non-limiting examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 is an isometric view of a pacifier;

FIG2 is a rear view of the nipple of FIG1 ;

FIG3 is a side cross-sectional view of the nipple of FIG1 ;

FIG4 is a side cross-sectional view of a nipple according to another example;

FIG5 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the nipple of FIG4 ;

FIG6 is a rear cross-sectional view of the nipple of FIG4 ;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a nipple according to another example; and

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the nipple of FIG. 7 .

Referring now to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3 , a pacifier 1 (also referred to as a “nipple”) is shown. The pacifier 1 has a breast portion 11, a nipple portion 12 and an areola portion 13. The areola portion 13 is located between the nipple portion 12 and the breast portion 11. The nipple portion 12 and the areola portion 13 are collectively referred to herein as a latching portion 16. The pacifier 1 has a base portion 14, which in this example is used to connect to a container (not shown). However, it should be understood that the base portion 14 can be configured to connect to other external components, such as a comforter, such as a rubber nipple, a fake nipple or a pacifier, or a teether or teething toy, or a pacifier shield or protective device. The breast portion 11 is located between the areola portion 13 and the base portion 14 of the latching portion. The base portion 14, the breast portion 11 and the latching portion 16 have a continuous or progressive outer wall 17. Reference is made throughout this specification to "upper", "upwardly", "lower" and "downwardly" and these terms relate to the orientation of the nipple 1 when the nipple 1 is located on a container (not shown) such that the nipple 1 is located on top of the container.

The base portion 14 has a sealing ring 141 located at the lower end of the teat 1. The sealing ring 141 has a peripheral lip 141a (shown in FIG. 3 ) at the lower end for sealing around the opening of the container in use. The sealing ring 141 has a flat upper surface 141b for a retaining ring (not shown) to abut against the flat upper surface 141b. The base portion 14 has a tapered section 142 extending upwardly and outwardly from the innermost edge of the flat upper surface 141b to define a circumferential groove in the base portion 14.

The breast portion 11 extends inwardly and upwardly from the upper edge of the tapered section 142. In this example, the breast portion 11 is dome-shaped, having a central area around the central axis of the base portion 14.

The locking portion 16 extends upward from the breast portion 11. The locking portion is radially offset from the central area of the breast portion 11. That is, the locking portion extends from a position on the breast portion 11 that is radially offset from the central axis A-A of the base portion 14 (as shown in FIG. 3 ). The areola portion 13 of the locking portion 16 has a lower end 131 that is continuous with the breast portion 11 and an upper end 132 that is continuous with the nipple portion 12. The areola portion 13 has a substantially circular cross section at both the upper end 132 and the lower end 131. The cross-sectional diameter of the lower end 131 is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the upper end 132. The cross-sectional center of the lower end 131 is radially offset from the central axis A-A of the base portion 14 in the same direction as the radial offset of the locking portion 16 from the breast portion 11. The cross-sectional center of the upper end 132 is radially offset from the cross-sectional center of the lower end 131 in the same direction as the radial offset of the locking portion 16 from the breast portion 11. The outer wall 17 of the areola portion 13 at a radially outer portion 171 relative to the axis A-A of the base portion 14 is substantially parallel to the axis of the base portion 14. The outer wall of the areola portion 13 at a radially inner position 172 relative to the axis A-A of the base portion 14 is bent to connect the upper end 132 and the lower end 131 of the areola portion 13, and the bend has a radius such that the inner position of the outer wall of the areola portion 13 is substantially tangent to the outer wall of the breast portion 11 at the lower end and substantially tangent to the outer wall of the nipple portion 12 at the upper end. The cross-section of the areola portion 13 is substantially circular along the length of the areola portion 13, and the diameter of the areola portion 13 decreases in a direction from the lower end 131 to the upper end 132. The nipple portion 12 of the atresia portion has a lower end 121 having the same diameter as the upper end 132 of the areola portion 13. The nipple portion 12 has a substantially part-spherical or substantially hemispherical upper end 122 to close the nipple portion 12. The diameter of the upper end 122 of the nipple portion 12 is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the lower end 121. The outer wall of the nipple portion 12 at a radially outer portion 123 relative to the axis A-A of the base portion 14 is substantially parallel to the axis of the base portion 14. The outer wall of the nipple portion 12 at a radially inner position 124 relative to the axis A-A of the base portion 14 is bent to connect the upper end 122 and the lower end 121 of the nipple portion 12, and the bend has a radius such that the inner position of the outer wall of the nipple portion 12 is substantially tangential to the outer wall of the areola portion 13 at the lower end and is substantially parallel to the axis of the base portion 14 near the upper end. The cross-section of the nipple portion 12 is substantially circular along the length of the nipple portion 12, and the diameter of the nipple portion 12 decreases in a direction from the lower end 121 to the upper end 122.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 3 , a side cross-sectional view of the teat 1 is shown. The outer wall 17 of the latch portion 16 has a first region 173 having a first wall thickness. The outer wall 17 of the latch portion 16 has a second region 15 having a second wall thickness that is less than the first wall thickness. The second region 15 is located on the inner surface of the outer wall 17 of the latch portion 16. The second region 15 is located at a radially outer portion of the outer wall 17 relative to the axis A-A of the base portion 14. That is, the centerline of the second region 15 is located along the radially outer portion of the outer wall 17 of the areola portion 13 and the nipple portion 12. The second region 15 is formed by a recess 151 on the inner surface of the outer wall 17. The second region 15 extends along the outer wall 17 in a direction generally parallel to the axis A-A of the base portion 14 from a lower position 152 adjacent to but spaced from the upper portion 132 of the areola portion 13 to an upper position 153 adjacent to but spaced from the upper end 122 of the nipple portion 12. The second region 15 extends circumferentially around the atresia portion away from a radially outer portion 171 of the outer wall 17 of the areola portion 13 and the nipple portion 12. The second region 15 is symmetrical around the radially outer portion of the outer wall of the areola portion 13 and the nipple portion 12.

In this example, the outer wall of the breast portion 11 and the outer wall of the first region 172 of the occlusion portion 16 have a substantially uniform thickness. In this example, the outer wall of the breast portion 11 and the outer wall of the first region 172 of the occlusion portion are 5 mm thick, but it will be appreciated that other suitable thicknesses are also contemplated. In this example, the outer wall of the recess 151 of the second region 15 of the occlusion portion is 0.75 mm thick, but it will be appreciated that other suitable thicknesses are also contemplated.

In this example, the teat 1 is manufactured using silicone having a Shore hardness between 30A and 50A. It will be apparent to the skilled person that the hardness of the silicone and the thickness of the outer wall may be varied to provide a teat 1 with a desired degree of flexibility. The teat 1 may be formed in any suitable manner, such as compression or injection moulding, and from any suitable resilient material, such as silicone, latex or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Injection moulded silicone provides a particularly desirable degree of resiliency in the latching portion.

In use, the latch portion of the nipple 1 is inserted into the baby's mouth. The nipple 1 is oriented so that the region of the latch portion with reduced thickness (second region 15) is adjacent to the baby's lower jaw, and the opposing surface of the latch portion is adjacent to the baby's upper jaw. The baby's lips latch onto the latch portion at the areola portion 13, thereby forming a seal around the nipple 1.

The baby's tongue contacts the area of reduced thickness of the latch portion. When the baby sucks on the nipple 1, the tongue moves up and down the second area 15 in a peristaltic or wave-like motion. This movement, also known as a peeling action, promotes the flow of food through the nipple 1 and into the baby's mouth. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the area of reduced thickness 15 moves and stretches in a manner similar to how a nursing mother's skin moves and stretches during breastfeeding, thereby providing a more natural feel during bottle feeding.

When the baby's upper lip presses into the area opposite the second area 15, the nipple portion 12 is bent upwardly (away from the second area 15) towards the roof of the baby's mouth. This advantageously contributes to a more natural feeling during bottle feeding.

The progressive or continuous surfaces between the breast portion 11, areola portion 13 and nipple portion 12 further advantageously improve the latching of the infant around the teat 1 during feeding.

Another example of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Like features are depicted with like reference numerals.

The nipple or teat 10 of this example also has a breast portion 11, a nipple portion 12 and an areola portion 13. The areola portion 13 is located between the nipple portion 12 and the breast portion 11. The nipple portion 12 and the areola portion 13 are collectively referred to herein as a latching portion 16. The nipple 10 has a base portion 14, which in this example is configured to be connected to a container (not shown). As with the previous examples, it should be understood that the base portion 14 can be configured to be connected to other external components, such as a comforter, such as a rubber nipple, a fake nipple or a pacifier, or a teether or teething toy, or a pacifier shield or protective device. The breast portion 11 is located between the areola portion 13 and the base portion 14 of the latching portion. The base portion 14, the breast portion 11 and the latching portion 16 have a continuous or progressive outer wall 17. Reference is made throughout this specification to "upper", "upwardly", "lower" and "downwardly" and these terms relate to the orientation of the nipple 10 when the nipple 10 is positioned on a container (not shown) such that the nipple 10 is located on top of the container.

The base portion 14 has a sealing ring 141 located at the lower end of the teat 10. The sealing ring 141 has a peripheral lip 141a at the lower end (as described with reference to FIG. 3 ) for sealing around the opening of a container in use. The sealing ring 141 has a flat upper surface 141b for a retaining ring (not shown) to abut against the flat upper surface 141b. The base portion 14 has a tapered section 142 extending upwardly and outwardly from the innermost edge of the flat upper surface 141b to define a circumferential groove in the base portion 14.

The breast portion 11 extends inwardly and upwardly from the upper edge of the tapered section 142. In this example, the breast portion 11 is also dome-shaped, having a central area around the central axis A-A of the base portion 14.

The locking portion 16 extends upward from the breast portion 11. The locking portion is radially offset from the central area of the breast portion 11. That is, the locking portion extends from a position on the breast portion 11 that is radially offset from the central axis A-A of the base portion 14 (as shown in FIG. 4 ). The areola portion 13 of the locking portion 16 has a lower end 131 that is continuous with the breast portion 11 and an upper end 132 that is continuous with the nipple portion 12. The areola portion 13 has a substantially circular cross section at both the upper end 132 and the lower end 131. The cross-sectional diameter of the lower end 131 is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the upper end 132. The cross-sectional center of the lower end 131 is radially offset from the central axis A-A of the base portion 14 in the same direction as the radial offset of the locking portion 16 from the breast portion 11. The cross-sectional center of the upper end 132 is radially offset from the cross-sectional center of the lower end 131 in the same direction as the radial offset of the locking portion 16 from the breast portion 11. The outer wall 17 of the areola portion 13 at a radially outer portion 171 relative to the axis A-A of the base portion 14 is substantially parallel to the axis of the base portion 14. The outer wall of the areola portion 13 at a radially inner position 172 relative to the axis A-A of the base portion 14 is bent to connect the upper end 132 and the lower end 131 of the areola portion 13, and the bend has a radius such that the inner position of the outer wall of the areola portion 13 is substantially tangent to the outer wall of the breast portion 11 at the lower end and substantially tangent to the outer wall of the nipple portion 12 at the upper end. The cross-section of the areola portion 13 is substantially circular along the length of the areola portion 13, and the diameter of the areola portion 13 decreases in a direction from the lower end 131 to the upper end 132. The nipple portion 12 of the atresia portion has a lower end 121 having the same diameter as the upper end 132 of the areola portion 13. The nipple portion 12 has a substantially part-spherical or substantially hemispherical upper end 122 to close the nipple portion 12. The diameter of the upper end 122 of the nipple portion 12 is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the lower end 121. The outer wall of the nipple portion 12 at a radially outer portion 123 relative to the axis A-A of the base portion 14 is substantially parallel to the axis of the base portion 14. The outer wall of the nipple portion 12 at a radially inner position 124 relative to the axis A-A of the base portion 14 is bent to connect the upper end 122 and the lower end 121 of the nipple portion 12, and the bend has a radius such that the inner position of the outer wall of the nipple portion 12 is substantially tangential to the outer wall of the areola portion 13 at the lower end and is substantially parallel to the axis of the base portion 14 near the upper end. The cross-section of the nipple portion 12 is substantially circular along the length of the nipple portion 12, and the diameter of the nipple portion 12 decreases in a direction from the lower end 121 to the upper end 122.

As described in relation to the first example of the nipple 1, the outer wall 17 of the latching portion 16 of the nipple 10 has a first area 173 having a first wall thickness. The outer wall 17 of the latching portion 16 has a second area 15 having a second wall thickness that is less than the first wall thickness. The second area 15 is located on the inner surface of the outer wall 17 of the latching portion 16. The second area 15 is located at a radially outer portion of the outer wall 17 relative to the axis A-A of the base portion 14. That is, the centerline of the second area 15 is located along the radially outer portion of the outer wall 17 of the areola portion 13 and the nipple portion 12. The second area 15 is formed by a recess 151 on the inner surface of the outer wall 17. The second region 15 extends along the outer wall 17 in a direction generally parallel to the axis A-A of the base portion 14 from a lower position 152 adjacent to but spaced from the upper portion 132 of the areola portion 13 to an upper position 153 adjacent to but spaced from the upper end 122 of the nipple portion 12. The second region 15 extends circumferentially around the atresia portion away from a radially outer portion 171 of the outer wall 17 of the areola portion 13 and the nipple portion 12. The second region 15 is symmetrical around the radially outer portion of the outer wall of the areola portion 13 and the nipple portion 12.

In this example, the outer wall of the breast portion 11 and the outer wall of the first region 172 of the latch portion 16 do not have a substantially uniform thickness. In this example, the outer wall of the breast portion 11 is 5 mm thick, but it should be understood that other suitable thicknesses are also contemplated. The first region 172 of the latch portion 16 has a localized region of thickness greater than the thickness of the outer wall of the breast portion 11. The localized region is in the form of a rib 18. The rib 18 is formed on the inner surface of the outer wall and extends around the periphery of the wall. In the example shown, there are six ribs 18. Some of the ribs 18 are provided in the nipple portion 12. Some of the ribs 18 are provided in the areola portion 13. It should be understood that one, some, or all of the ribs 18 may be provided on the areola portion 13. Similarly, one, some, or all of the ribs 18 may be provided on the nipple portion 12. It should also be understood that in other examples of the present invention, any number of ribs 18 may be provided.

As with the first example of the invention, in this example the outer wall of the recess 151 of the second region 15 of the latch portion is 0.75 mm thick, but it will be appreciated that other suitable thicknesses are contemplated.

In this example, the nipple 10 is manufactured using silicone having a Shore hardness between 30A and 50A. It will be apparent to the skilled person that the hardness of the silicone and the thickness of the outer wall can be varied to provide a nipple 10 with a desired degree of flexibility. The nipple 10 can be formed in any suitable manner, such as compression or injection molding, and from any suitable resilient material, such as silicone, latex or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Injection molded silicone provides a particularly desirable degree of resiliency in the latch portion.

In use, the latch portion of the nipple 10 is inserted into the baby's mouth. The nipple 10 is oriented so that the region of the latch portion with reduced thickness (second region 15) is adjacent to the baby's lower jaw, and the opposing surface of the latch portion is adjacent to the baby's upper jaw. The baby's lips latch onto the latch portion at the areola portion 13, thereby forming a seal around the nipple 10.

The baby's tongue contacts the area of reduced thickness of the latch portion. When the baby sucks on the nipple 10, the tongue moves up and down the second area 15 in a peristaltic or wave-like motion. This movement, also known as a peeling action, promotes the flow of food through the nipple 10 and into the baby's mouth. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the area of reduced thickness 15 moves and stretches in a manner similar to how a nursing mother's skin moves and stretches during breastfeeding, thereby providing a more natural feel during bottle feeding.

When the baby's upper lip presses into the area opposite the second area 15, the nipple portion 12 is caused to bend upward toward the roof of the baby's mouth (away from the second area 15). The spine-like ribs 18 advantageously assist in the bending movement of the nipple portion 12. This advantageously contributes to a more natural feeling experience during bottle feeding.

The progressive or continuous surfaces between the breast portion 11, areola portion 13, and nipple portion 12 further advantageously improve the latching of an infant around the nipple 10 during feeding.

Another example of a teat 100 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 7 and 8. Like features are depicted with like reference numerals and will not be described further.

The teat 100 of this example is similar to the teat 1 of the first example, but includes a vent 19. It will be appreciated that the teat 10 of the second example may also include a vent 19.

Vents 19 extend into the base portion 14 between the openings of the breast portion 11. The vents 19 allow for better airflow, helping to prevent the baby from ingesting excess air and experiencing pain or colic.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the above described embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.For example, a teat according to the invention may be manufactured from any suitable material.

In the above embodiments, the nipples 1, 10 are formed in any suitable manner, such as compression or injection molding, and are formed from any suitable elastic material, such as silicone, latex or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). It will be appreciated that the nipples according to the present invention may be manufactured using any suitable method. The method may be an additive manufacturing method.

In the above described embodiments, the outer wall of the teat 1, 10 is approximately 5 mm thick and the thickness of the area of reduced thickness 15 is approximately 0.75 mm. It will be appreciated that alternative wall thicknesses may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Alternative wall thicknesses may be used, for example, with different materials and materials having different hardness and/or elasticity.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that many combinations of the foregoing features and/or those shown in the accompanying drawings provide significant advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims (25)

1. A nipple, comprising:

A breast portion having a central region; and

A locking portion extending from the breast portion, the locking portion comprising a nipple portion and an areola portion;

Wherein the blocking portion is radially offset from the central region of the breast portion and includes an outer wall; and

Wherein the outer wall of the latch portion comprises a first region having a first wall thickness and a second region having a second wall thickness, wherein the second wall thickness is less than the first wall thickness.

2. The nipple of claim 1, wherein the second region is disposed on the nipple portion.

3. A nipple according to claim 2, wherein the second region is located on a radially outer surface of the nipple portion.

4. A nipple according to claim 3, wherein the radially outer surface of the nipple portion extends radially outwardly relative to the central region of the breast portion.

5. The nipple of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the nipple portion has a first end distal to the areola portion and a second end proximal to the areola portion, and

Wherein the second region is disposed between the first end of the nipple portion and the second end of the nipple portion.

6. The nipple of claim 5, wherein the first end of the nipple portion and the second end of the nipple portion define a first length between the first end of the nipple portion and the second end of the nipple portion, and the second region has a second length, wherein the second length is less than the first length.

7. The nipple of claim 6, wherein the second length is about two-thirds of the first length.

8. The nipple of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second region comprises a recess.

9. The nipple of claim 8, wherein the recess is disposed on an inner surface of the nipple portion.

10. The nipple of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second region has a perimeter.

11. A teat according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the first end of the perimeter is spaced from the first end of the teat portion.

12. The nipple of claim 11, wherein the peripheral second end is spaced apart from the second end of the nipple portion.

13. The nipple of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the ratio of the first wall thickness to the second wall thickness is about 6:1.

14. The nipple of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least a portion of the first region extends radially inward relative to the central region of the breast portion.

15. The nipple of claim 14, wherein the portion of the first region that extends radially inward relative to the central region of the breast portion is generally convex.

16. A nipple according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the portion of the first region that extends radially inwardly relative to the central region of the breast portion comprises at least one rib.

17. The nipple of claim 16, wherein the at least one rib is formed on an inner surface of the portion of the first region that extends radially inward relative to the central region of the breast portion.

18. A teat according to claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the at least one rib extends around the periphery of the teat portion.

19. A nipple according to claim 16, claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the portion of the first region that extends radially inwardly relative to the central region of the breast portion comprises a plurality of ribs.

20. The nipple of claim 19, wherein one or more of the plurality of ribs are disposed on the areola portion.

21. A nipple according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein one or some of the plurality of ribs are provided on the nipple portion.

22. A teat assembly for use with an infant drinking vessel, the teat assembly comprising a teat according to any one of claims 1 to 21 and a hoop.

23. A feeding assembly for use with an infant drinking vessel, the feeding assembly comprising a nipple and container according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

24. The feeding assembly of claim 23, further comprising a collar for securing the nipple to the container.

25. A placebo assembly for placebo infants, the placebo assembly comprising a pacifier according to any one of claims 1-21.